Connacht Rugby got the 2022/23 URC quarterfinal series off to a cracking start as they turned over a heavily favoured Ulster side at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. 

Five penalties from the boot of Jack Carty saw the Galwegians home in what an error-strewn fixture was. 

Clearly, under immense pressure, Ulster failed to fire a shot outside of a try from captain Alan O’Connor following a break from replacement Hooker Tom Stewart who nearly wiggled free for yet another maul try. 

The game was decided primarily at the breakdown, where Connacht utterly obliterated Ulster. Dedicating plenty of numbers to the ruck, Connacht earned several crucial turnovers and stopped the potent Ulster attack at the source. 

One such turnover came late in the fixture as winger Mack Hansen got over the ball to stop a promising Ulster attack. 

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Whilst he wasn’t awarded the player of the match award, number eight Cian Prendergast stood out with a classy showing. Physical in defence and creative in attack, the giant Prendergast showed just why so many in Galway are excited about his potential. 

Building on their dominance at the breakdown, the Connacht scrum held the upper hand throughout, further stalling the Ulster attack. 

Following a rather turbulent few weeks off the pitch, with whispers coming out of camp that not all are happy in the squad. The loss will sting Ulster and could well lead to an overhaul in the coaching setup. 

For Connacht, the win already makes the season a success, especially when one considers they started the season with three straight losses. Next up will be a trip to South Africa to take on the winner of the Stormers vs Bulls match tomorrow.